Audi A2 Concept Revealed - 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show

Audi EV hatchback headed for production.

The Audi A2 Concept won't be heading directly from the exhibition halls of the Frankfurt Auto Show into dealer showrooms. But you can bet on this 5-door hatchback making it to production in the near future, probably within two years, and that it will be offered with a variety of economical gasoline, diesel, and electric motors.

Here in Frankfurt, the A2 is motivated by an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. A similar arrangement is likely for production variants. Mounted transversely in the front of the car, an electric motor rated at 85 kW sends power the front wheels. You might notice that the similarly electric-powered BMW i3 hatchback, which is also set for production, opts for a rear-wheel-drive layout. German engineering rivalries look set to extend well into the 21st century.

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Audi says the A2 Concept has a driving range of 124 miles. Recharging with a 220-volt outlet should take about four hours, and about double that time will be needed if you rely on a 110-volt outlet. Acceleration is mid-pack, at least when it comes to economical hatchbacks. The sprint from 0 to 62 mph should take about 9 seconds, with top speed limited to 93 mph—on par with the current Nissan Leaf.

Filling a Gap
The A2 Concept isn't revolutionary in terms of packaging or powertrain, but this petite 4-seater does have an important role to fill in the Audi lineup. A production variant will slot between the existing Audi A1 and Audi A3. At 149.6 inches long and 58.6 in. high, the A2 Concept is about 6 in. shorter and 3 in. taller than the 2011 Audi A1—a chunky 3-door hatch not sold in the U.S. Interestingly, the A2 Concept is also nearly identical in length to the upcoming BMW i3.

Intelligent lighting also figures heavily into this concept. The headlights represent Audi's next generation of LED technology, with a high resolution and "non-glaring" beam. The taillights vary in brightness depending on how hard the driver pushes down on the brake pedal. And during heavy fog or other road conditions with limited visibility, the A2's rear foglights project a red triangle onto the road surface as a warning to other drivers.

You've probably noticed that band of light working its way around the A2's flanks. Audi says this bit of Vegas-style illumination serves as both a side indicator and a glowing red brake light.